The OC Guide To Vegan Skincare

The vegan movement continues to grow steadily around the world – and while vegan food has taken the spotlight in recent years, vegan skincare is quickly becoming just as sought-after. If you're considering making the switch to a vegan skincare routine, Olivia Croft offers a wide range of cruelty-free products to explore – and there are plenty of good reasons to do so. Read on to find out what sets vegan skincare apart and how a minimalist routine can help you achieve a radiant glow – all without the guilt.

What Is Vegan Skincare?

What exactly makes a skincare product vegan? Just like vegan food, vegan skincare contains no animal-derived ingredients or by-products. Common non-vegan ingredients include beeswax, honey, and silk protein. However, there are also lesser-known animal-based ingredients such as biotin, cetyl alcohol, keratin, and gelatine, all of which are frequently found in skincare products. If you're unsure which ingredients to avoid, organisations like PETA provide comprehensive lists to help guide your choices.

Other animal-derived ingredients to look out for include bee venom, sometimes added to products for its ‘topical Botox’ effect, helping to temporarily plump and firm the skin. Lanolin is another example – a waxy substance secreted by sheep and commonly used in lip balms and moisturisers.

Even certain fragrances can be non-vegan. For instance, ambergris – a highly prized scent ingredient – is derived from the digestive system of whales (yes, it's essentially whale faeces). If that doesn’t quite appeal, switching to a vegan skincare routine could be the ideal alternative.

What Are The Benefits Of Vegan Skincare?

Vegan skincare offers a range of benefits – not only is it often more environmentally friendly and kinder to animals, but it also tends to be gentler on the skin. Plant-based ingredients are generally less likely to cause irritation, making vegan products a great option for those with sensitive skin. In fact, many vegan formulas are naturally calming and more alkaline, which can help soothe stress-related skin issues such as rashes or acne.

How To Spot Vegan Skincare Products

Looking for vegan skincare? It’s usually easy to spot. Most vegan products feature a recognisable ‘V’ symbol on the packaging, either on the front or back. However, it’s important to note that ‘cruelty-free’ doesn’t always mean vegan. A cruelty-free product hasn’t been tested on animals, but it may still contain animal-derived ingredients – so they’re not quite the same thing.

To help simplify your search (you’re welcome!), Olivia Croft has a dedicated vegan skincare section, featuring products made with plant-based, sustainable ingredients you can feel positive about using.

Still tempted by vegan skincare? Then add these simple steps to your daily routine…

Skincare

CLEANSE

The first step in any effective vegan skincare routine? You guessed it – cleansing. Whether you prefer micellar water, foaming cleansers, or balm-based options, vegan cleansers gently cleanse the skin by removing makeup, excess oil, and the daily buildup of impurities.

For an even deeper clean, try double cleansing. Begin with micellar water or an oil-based vegan cleanser to break down makeup and surface grime, then follow with a gentle, hydrating facial wash. The result? Fresh, radiant skin with a smoother, more even tone. You’ll thank us later.

When choosing a vegan cleanser, look out for skin-friendly ingredients like hyaluronic acid for added hydration and seaweed extract to support healthy cell renewal.

TONE

Often overlooked, toner is a key player in any skincare routine. Vegan toners help sweep away the last traces of dirt and makeup while tightening pores and preparing your skin for serums and moisturisers. Simply apply to a reusable cotton pad and glide it over your face and neck in gentle, upward motions.

Top tip: choose a vegan toner that’s alcohol-free – or as low in alcohol as possible. Alcohol can dry out your skin, leaving it feeling tight and uncomfortable. Instead, opt for natural soothing ingredients, such as witch hazel, chamomile, allantoin, or provitamin B5.

TREAT

If your skin’s looking dull or tired, a vegan facial serum can help restore its glow. Serums are a powerful step in any skincare regime, packed with active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide and zinc to hydrate, brighten and support ageing skin.

Every vegan serum is different, so choose one tailored to your skin's needs – whether that’s hydration, brightening, or blemish control. For best results, apply morning and night to improve your skin’s texture and radiance over time.

MOISTURISE

The final step in your vegan skincare routine is moisturising – essential for locking in hydration, boosting skin elasticity and protecting against environmental pollutants.

Vegan moisturisers are not only cruelty-free but also gentler on skin. Many conventional moisturisers contain animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax, lanolin, and glycerin. Instead, choose plant-based alternatives rich in antioxidants, natural oils and minerals that nourish and protect your skin – all without compromise.

Interested in vegan hair and body care, too? Here’s the lowdown…

Body Care

MOISTURISE

A plant-based moisturiser, rich in nourishing ingredients, will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated. Better still, you’ll benefit from the natural goodness of antioxidants, minerals and oils derived from plants. With fewer additives and harsh chemicals, vegan moisturisers are also less likely to cause irritation – making them ideal for sensitive skin.

For best results, apply your moisturiser to damp skin just after stepping out of the shower. As hot water can strip the skin of moisture, applying lotion while your skin is still slightly damp helps to lock in hydration and keep dryness at bay.

HAIR CARE

SHAMPOO

Achieve clean, soft, and shiny hair with a vegan shampoo, powered by plant-based proteins and naturally derived ingredients. Unlike many conventional shampoos, which often contain harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances that can irritate the scalp and dry out your hair, vegan formulas are gentler and more nourishing.

To maintain healthy hair, aim to wash it every 2–3 days using lukewarm water. Washing too often, especially with hot water, can strip away natural oils and weaken the scalp’s protective barrier, leaving your hair looking dull and feeling dry.

CONDITION

Vegan conditioners are a brilliant way to nourish the hair without causing excessive build-up. Rich in natural oils and botanical extracts, these products are typically free from synthetic fillers that can weigh the hair down. Whether your hair is frizzy, dry, or damaged, there’s a vegan conditioner suited to your specific needs – just check the label to find the best match.

Used together, vegan shampoos and conditioners help maintain strong, healthy hair. After shampooing, apply your conditioner and rinse with cool water to close the cuticle layer, sealing in moisture and enhancing shine. The result? Hair that feels smooth, revitalised, and full of life.

DETANGLE

Tangled hair can be a real nuisance – especially for those with long or thick locks. Here’s how to detangle gently and effectively, without causing damage:

1. Always brush your hair before washing.

2. After towel-drying, apply a light vegan hair oil or leave-in conditioner to ease knots.

3. Use your fingers to gently separate larger tangles – they’re less harsh than combs or brushes.

4. Then, work through the remaining knots with a wide-tooth comb, starting at the ends and moving upwards to minimise breakage.

MASK

When your hair feels parched, over-processed, or in need of some TLC, a vegan hair mask can provide deep hydration and repair. Many non-vegan masks contain ingredients that strip moisture and irritate the scalp, but vegan alternatives made with coconut, banana, almond oil or olive oil offer a gentler, more effective way to restore your strands.

For best results, apply the mask to towel-dried, freshly washed hair. Starting at the roots, work the product through to the ends with a wide-tooth comb or fingers. Leave it on for 3–5 minutes for a quick boost – or up to 20 minutes for an intensive treatment – before rinsing thoroughly. Your hair will thank you.